The Highlander has a long recall history across its generations, but the recent list is short and mostly about seats, tires and software. This page lists every campaign NHTSA returned for the Highlander, with the model years it covers and what the dealer does.
How this list is built. On October 21, 2026 we queried NHTSA's recalls-by-vehicle service for the Toyota Highlander, model years 2024, 2025 and 2026, and read each campaign's summary, consequence and remedy. Several campaigns are shared with other Toyota and Lexus models, and we describe only the Highlander side. The 2026 model year returned no campaigns, but older-year recalls such as 26V128 can still include newer trucks, so only your VIN confirms whether a recall applies.
Every Highlander Recall
| CAMPAIGN | FILED | WHAT IT COVERS | WHAT IT IS | REMEDY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V128 | Mar 5, 2026 | 2021–2025 Highlander and Hybrid | Second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position | Dealers replace the return springs in the recliner assemblies. Phased recall, letters mailed September 9, 2026 |
| 25V872 | Dec 17, 2025 | 2024–2025 Highlander and Hybrid | Third-row center seat belt roof anchor installed at an incorrect angle | Dealers reinstall the anchor with a new bolt. Letters mailed January 27, 2026 |
| 25V744 | Oct 30, 2025 | 2022–2026 Toyota, Lexus and Subaru models with a Panoramic View Monitor | Rearview camera may freeze or show a blank screen | Dealers update the parking assist software. Letters mailed January 2, 2026 |
| 25V595 | Sep 11, 2025 | 2023–2024 Highlander (and other Toyota and Lexus models) | Instrument panel display may not show critical information | Over-the-air software update for non-plug-in vehicles, free of charge |
| 24V548 | Jul 23, 2024 | Highlander and Hybrid (among many Toyota models) | Incorrect maximum capacity weight value on the label | Dealers mail new labels. Letters mailed September 16, 2024 |
| 24V452 | Jun 18, 2024 | 2021–2024 Highlander | 20-inch accessory tires with a load rating too low for the Gross Axle Weight Rating | Dealers inspect and replace tires and the placard as necessary. Letters mailed August 16, 2024 |
| 24V419 | Jun 6, 2024 | 2022–2024 Highlander L and LE with the Blackout Package | 20-inch black alloy wheels and tires with an insufficient load rating | Dealers inspect and replace tires and the label as necessary. Letters mailed August 8, 2024 |
The Ones That Matter Most
26V128, second-row seat backs. Toyota says the second-row seat backs on certain 2021–2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment. NHTSA's consequence statement: a seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash. Dealers replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies. It is a phased recall, so parts availability may vary by VIN.
25V872, third-row center belt. The roof anchor for the third-row center seat belt may have been installed at an incorrect angle, so the belt may not restrain the occupant properly. This affects 2024 and 2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid trucks. If anyone rides in the third-row center seat, get it done.
The tire recalls. 24V419 and 24V452 both involve 20-inch tires with an insufficient load rating, one on Blackout Package trucks and one on accessory tires installed by distributors. Check the tire information placard and ask your dealer if your truck has 20-inch wheels.
What to Do
- Run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or toyota.com/recall. A recall only applies to trucks Toyota has identified by VIN.
- Call a Toyota dealer for any open recall and ask when parts are in stock. Recall repairs are free.
- Check the seats if you carry kids or passengers in the second or third row.
- Read the complaints for what owners report that has not become a recall, in the Highlander complaints guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the Toyota Highlander have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls across model years 2024 and 2025 as of October 21, 2026, and none under the 2026 model year.
Is there a recall on the 2026 Highlander?
NHTSA returned no recalls for the 2026 model year in our query. Recalls can be added at any time, so run your VIN.
Is there a seat recall on the Highlander?
Yes. 26V128 covers second-row seat back recliners on 2021–2025 trucks, and 25V872 covers the third-row center seat belt anchor on 2024–2025 trucks. Both are free dealer repairs.
Are Highlander recalls free?
Yes. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Related Guides
- Toyota Highlander Problems: NHTSA Complaints 2024–2026
- Toyota Highlander MPG: Gas and Hybrid 2024–2026
- Toyota Grand Highlander Recalls: Every Recall 2024–2026
- Toyota Grand Highlander MPG: Gas, Hybrid and Hybrid MAX
- Toyota RAV4 Known Issues: NHTSA Complaints by Year
Sources: NHTSA, recalls by vehicle (Toyota Highlander, model years 2024–2026), queried October 21, 2026.
Keep reading
Toyota Highlander Complaints by Year: 2008–2023
NHTSA holds 4,142 owner complaints on the Toyota Highlander for model years 2008 to 2023. The most complaints are on 2021 (531), 2019 (498) and 2008 (404). The fewest are on 2016 (111), 2009 (134) and 2014 (136). Power train is the most-named component overall (864 mentions), then service brakes (505), electrical system (504) and engine (437). Across all years complaints report 287 crashes, 41 fires, 266 injuries and 4 deaths. Complaint counts are voluntary, unverified and not adjusted for sales, so they point at where to look rather than which year is worst.
Toyota Highlander MPG by Year: 2008–2023
The Toyota Highlander's EPA combined mpg runs from 19 (2008 to 2013 V6 AWD) to 36 (2020 to 2023 Hybrid FWD). The gas V6 improved from 19–20 mpg in 2008 to 23–24 mpg by 2020. The hybrid went from 26 mpg (2008 to 2010) to 28–29 mpg (2011 to 2019) and then jumped to 35–36 mpg with the 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid in 2020. In 2023 the gas truck changed to a 2.4L turbo four rated 24 to 25 mpg. The newer 2024 to 2026 ratings are in the 2024–2026 mpg guide.
Toyota Highlander Recalls 2008–2023: Every Campaign
NHTSA lists 45 recall campaigns on the Toyota Highlander for model years 2008 to 2023. 9 are label corrections and 3 are accessory or aftermarket parts, which leaves 33 campaigns on the trucks themselves. The biggest by reach are the 2010 accelerator pedal recalls (10V017, 10V023), the fuel pump recalls (20V012, 20V682, 20V162) on 2017–2020 V6 trucks, and air bag and steering column recalls from 2011, 2014, 2020 and 2023 to 2025. The 2023 spiral cable recalls (23V480, 25V040) and the 2026 second-row recliner recall (26V128) are the newest. Run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Toyota Highlander MPG: Gas and Hybrid 2024–2026
The gas Highlander is rated 24 to 25 mpg combined and the Highlander Hybrid 35 to 36 mpg. The EPA's 2024 front-wheel-drive gas truck is 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined (24 on the other label), the AWD gas truck 21 / 28 / 24, the Hybrid FWD 36 / 35 / 36 and the Hybrid AWD 35 / 35 / 35. Over 15,000 miles at EPA combined, the hybrid AWD burns about 429 gallons against 625 for the gas AWD, a gap of about 196 gallons a year.